While personal opinions vary enormously, it’s the law that dictates the standards that must be complied with by professionals and public alike in all dealings involving animals. Past, present and future, from national to international concepts, this course is essential not just to assist in ensuring compliance, but also in maintaining credibility on the expanding subject of animals, welfare and society’s rulebook of what’s acceptable, and what’s not.

what you do as a vet contribute to national and international animal welfare?

While personal opinions vary enormously, it’s the law that dictates the standards that must be complied with by professionals and public alike in all dealings involving animals. Past, present and future, from national to international concepts, this course is essential not just to assist in ensuring compliance, but also in maintaining credibility on the expanding subject of animals, welfare and society’s rulebook of what’s acceptable, and what’s not.

The law underpins the daily activities and livelihood of people who deal with animals, whether the animals are used for companionship, entertainment, as working animals, or food – or any one of the many other roles that animals play in human society. This suite of modules is suited to all those who have professional and/or personal interests and responsibilities involving animals. It’s the law that dictates what you can and can't do, and what you must and mustn't do in handling animals.

Format

This course comprises of one module with five topics, each consisting of a narrated presentation, assessment quiz and discussion forum.

Participants can expect to complete each topic in approximately two to four hours.

VetScholar courses are not run at set times during the day so it allows the participants to complete it around their work and family commitments.

Participants have access to the course material for up to one year from the start of the course and are welcome to download the presentations for their personal use in future.

Learning outcomes

This course is essential for all those who want to demonstrate credibility, balance and objectivity in the often emotive and polarised subject of animal treatment, protection, and welfare. The course is useful for everyone participating in activities involving animals, but it’s essential for those who hold themselves as animal welfare experts.

In this course you’ll learn to...

understand the legal definition of animal welfare.

critically assess any use of animals in human society.

understand the legal criteria that apply to all people who have dealings involving animals.

Module 4: International animal welfare lawLearn the fundamentals for understanding animals, people and governance in the global market place.

Module 5: The future of animal welfare and lawPutting sentience, dignity, rights, standing and guardianship in context of the law.

Tutor

Ian Robertson BVSc, LLB, MRCVS. Ian is the unusual combination of a veterinarian and lawyer who has combined his training and experience to become an internationally recognised animal law specialist. Ian has a wide variety of national and international roles teaching, advising and prosecuting matters involving issues of animal welfare. He is an external associate of the OIE (World Animal Health Organisation) New Zealand Collaboration Centre, a long standing member of the International Advisory Board of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), and the Director of International Animal Law. He is also a law lecturer and advises government, non-government organisations, and industry on a wide range of animal welfare matters. These activities compliment Ian’s experience working as a prosecutor for the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries. He has recently established New Zealand’s first law practice dedicated to matters of animal law, biosecurity, and food safety (www.guardianz.co.nz).

CPD points

Activities in this course can be recorded under either continuing veterinary education or collegial learning activity.

Pricing information (five modules for the price of one)

NZVA Members - $500
NZVA Non-members - $775
Students - $200

Terms and conditions

Please click hereto find out more about NZVA events and education terms and conditions.